PORTLAND, MAINE -- June 12, 2017 -- Ocean’s Balance, Inc., a pioneering Maine company that makes delicious, innovative products from seaweed grown in the clean waters of the Gulf of Maine, announced today that it will unveil a new kelp purée, and offer samples of dishes prepared with the purée at IFT17: Go With Purpose, the preeminent food science and technology event hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The show takes place June 25–28 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, and will feature over 1,200 companies showcasing the latest innovations in food processing, ingredients, equipment, packaging and technology.

At the event, Ocean’s Balance will showcase its new Kelp Purée and offer sample dishes prepared with the purée. Visitors to Ocean’s Balance will meet our team of seaweed experts, taste our seaweed products, and learn about the numerous health benefits of a seaweed-infused diet.

“Ocean’s Balance is a leader in a small but thriving seaweed industry in Maine that is farming macroalgae from the sea and creating healthy, delicious foods that are good for people and the planet,” said Mitchell Lench, CEO of Ocean’s Balance. “Seaweed is a unique alternative to traditional vegetables and proteins because it needs no fresh water, no arable land, and no fertilizers to grow. We believe that when Americans learn about the health and taste benefits of seaweed, they will want to include it in all kinds of dishes, from pizza to soups to smoothies to fudge.”

Ocean’s Balance is available in 9-ounce retail jars and for food service in quart- and gallon-sized containers.

The Time for Seaweed Has Come:Macroalgae contains antioxidants, proteins, minerals, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and trace elements. Consuming a variety of macroalgae as part of a daily diet is also considered beneficial to cardiovascular health.

The Case for Seaweed Consumption is Growing:

1. Seaweed salt is healthier salt.Seaweed's content of potassium salts does not lead to high blood pressure -- unlike the sodium salts, typically encountered in processed food.

2. Some seaweed species contain large amounts of natural iodine, which is critical to maintaining a healthy rate of metabolism, and overall good health.

4. Seaweed contains umami – the fifth basic taste – which is known to promote satiety and hence regulate food intake in addition to reduce the craving for salt, sugar and fat.

5. Seaweed contains few calories, and is gluten free!

“American consumers are demanding healthier food and pure ingredients that are closer to nature,” said Lench. “Savvy food manufacturers understand that unique ingredients like seaweed can add taste and dense nutritional values that consumers want. ‘Kelp yourself to good health’ is our motto, and we stand by it.”

WASHINGTON D.C. -- June 13, 2017 -- The Sea Grant Association (SGA), a nonprofit that advocates for greater understanding and use of marine coastal resources, will brief U.S. Congressional Leaders today on Capitol Hill about the challenges and enormous opportunity facing the U.S. aquaculture industry. The briefing takes place after President Donald Trump proposed the termination of the Sea Grant program. According to a 2017, economic impact study, Maine’s aquaculture sector has almost tripled from $50 million in 2007 to $137 million today, and aquaculture is widely seen as an industry that supports clean water, sustainable jobs, and a traditional way of life for coastal communities.

Aquaculture industry pioneer Tollef Olson, founder of Bangs Island Mussels, Ocean Approved, and co-founder of Ocean’s Balance, is one of five panelists from across the country who will speak at the event. Olson is the only representative from the northeast.

“I’m looking forward to visiting Washington to make the case for aquaculture,” said Olson. “I’ve been in the aquaculture business since the 1990s, and our industry is finally starting to prosper. This is not the time to pull the plug on funding. We need support and investment to address significant barriers and obstacles to success.”

The briefing of Congressional leaders takes place during the annual Capitol Hill Ocean Week, which draws dozens of ocean and coastal groups to Washington each year to raise the profile of ocean and coastal issues, such as conservation, science, marine mammals, aquaculture, and marine policy issues. More than 100 guests are expected to attend.

After the briefing, Olson will visit the offices of Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to further the discussion and knowledge sharing about the economic importance of aquaculture.

About Ocean’s BalanceOcean’s Balance produces innovative, edible products made from seaweed sustainably grown and harvested in the clean waters of the Gulf of Maine. We use zero-input sustainable farming practices to produce all-natural products. For more information visit www.oceansbalance.com. Follow Ocean’s Balance on Facebook or on Instagram. Retailers or food service buyers interested in ordering please email lscali@oceansbalance.com.